Jeep History

A quick history of Jeep 4x4's and their manufacturer.

The Company

1953: Kaiser take over Willys-Overland. ? 1963 ? -->

1970: American Motor Co. (AMC) take over Kaiser Jeep.

1982-1986: Renault owned AMC Jeep
(I remember this well because I worked for Jeep in those years as
a parts counterman for a dealership & hated the way they set up
their microfiche for parts. We also had to deal with the cars
Renault made. It was a nightmare. 4wheeldrive.guide at about.com -->
- Kern L. Napoletano).

CJ-5: (b) 1970-1983 low wipers.
Terminated after the '83 year due to safety
questions[MK].

CJ-6: 1955-1969 one piece windscreen,
high wipers, 101" wheelbase.

CJ-6: 1970-1976 low wipers, 101" wheelbase.
1974 Jeep CJ-6 (right):
Many people believe that 100" is the ideal wheel base,
90" being a bit short, restricting load capacity and giving
a choppy ride on-road, 110" restricting manoeuvrability
off-road. Despite that, the CJ-6 was one of the less popular Jeeps.
Terminated in 1976 after the introduction of the popular CJ7
[MK].

CJ-7: 1976-1986 S/T or removable plastic hard-top.

1985 Jeep CJ-7 (right) courtesy of
Dick Salsbury [5/97]
Last year was 1986 as the Wrangler YJ came in in 1987
[MK].

CJ-8:
a 1985 CJ-8 or Scrambler (right) belonging to
Alex Gephart.
Last year was 1986 as the Wrangler YJ came in in 1987 [MK].